The new development just announced by the Consorzio Chianti Classico has been expected for some time: the UGAs (Unità Geografiche Aggiuntive – Supplementary Geographical Indications) are now a reality.

Selected on the basis of recognisable wine style, historicity, reputation, and quantity produced, the UGAs approved for Chianti Classico Gran Selezione are: Castellina, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Gaiole, Greve, Lamole, Montefioralle, Panzano, Radda, San Casciano, San Donato in Poggio, and Vagliagli. Those extraordinary winegrowing zones will now be recognised on the wine label as well.

At the moment, the SGAs are limited to Chianti Classico Gran Selezione wines, but in a few years the designation could be extended to current-vintage and Riserva Chianti Classico wines as well.

With the same aim of protecting and promoting the winegrowing area, the new Production Code specifies that the blend for Gran Selezione wines must be 100% native grapes: a minimum of 90% Sangiovese, with up to 10% of other Tuscan native grapes.

This new designation is a welcome step forward for Chianti Classico producers, who have wanted for some time now to give greater prominence to their own individual winegrowing and, in particular, for consumers, who want to better know and appreciate the exact origins of the wines they love.

7 July 2021

(photo: Ricasoli)